She said good night to him then, for the reason that she herself was so stirred that she needed seclusion in which to think these strange things over. That Bob should have married Jennie Follett was a shock in itself; but that through his wife he should now be involved in this frightful tragedy was something that her mind found it hard to take in. It was the first time that she had ever come so close to the more terrible happenings in life. Meanwhile, Junia, overhearing what was said, reconstructed her plan of campaign. In common with great generals, she possessed the faculty of rapid revision, as events took place differently from the way she had expected. By the time she heard Edith go upstairs she had foreseen the line of action which the new situation forced on them. Collingham was still lashing about the library when she appeared on the threshold. Her calmness arrested him. In a measure it soothed him. It was the kind of juncture in which she always knew what to do, and he had confidence in her judgment. When she said, "Sit down, Bradley; I’ve something to say," he obeyed her quietly, relighting his cigar. As she, too, sat down, Max or Dauphin would have noted in her the aura of authority which a master wears when about to lecture a schoolboy. "I’ve something startling to tell you, Bradley; but I want to say beforehand that you mustn’t get worked up, because I see a way out." Taking his cigar from his lips, he looked at her sidewise. His expression said, "What’s it going to be now?" "What I’ve heard you telling Edith about this young Follett killing a detective concerns us more closely than you may think, because Bob is married to his sister." He laid his cigar on an ash tray, swung round to the table between them, clasped his fingers, and leaned on his outstretched elbows. His tone was quiet, even casual. "When did he do that?" "Just before he sailed." "Then I’m through with him." "Oh no, you’re not, Bradley! He’s your son, whether he’s married anyone or not." "I can’t help his being my son; but I can help having anything more to do with him." "Listen, Bradley. This whole thing is going to be in the papers in the course of two or three days; and you must come through it with honors. It’s perfectly simple to do it, and win everyone’s respect and sympathy. In addition to that you can get Bob’s devoted affection; and you know how much that means to us all."